Portuguese Singer Carminho Distills the Fatal Romanticism of Fado

Soundcheck | Nov 3, 2025

The Portuguese singer and songwriter Carminho is one of the leading singers in the style known as fado – the deeply soulful, melancholy music that is somewhat akin to Spanish flamenco or American blues. She has collaborated with the iconic Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso, performed for the late Pope Francis, recorded with Steve Albini, and made a special appearance in the film Poor Things, by Yorgos Lanthimos, where she sings from a balcony accompanying herself on the teardrop-shaped Portuguese guitar. Carminho has a new album called Eu Vou Morrer de Amor ou Resistir – I’ll die of love, or I’ll resist.  Accompanied by classical guitar, Portuguese guitar, and acoustic bass guitar, she performs in-studio.

Set list: 1. Canção à ausente 2. Saber 3. Lá vai Lisboa

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